What happened
On 2 September 2020, a replica Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c, registration G-AWYI, was participating in a practice air display at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire. The flight involved several vintage aircraft performing choreographed maneuvers to simulate a World War I dogfight. During the routine, the aircraft was orbiting at an altitude of approximately 500 to 600 feet.
While maintaining position, the aircraft entered a descending right turn. The descent became a steep, nose-down rotation that continued for approximately two and a half turns before the aircraft struck the ground. The impact caused severe damage to the entire airframe. The pilot sustained serious injuries, including a fractured vertebra, broken ribs, and facial lacer and wrist/thumb fractures, but was able to be assisted by the airfield fire service immediately following the crash.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition, the pilot's actions, and the environmental conditions. Examination of the wreckage showed that the engine and control cables were intact, and no pre-existing mechanical defects were found. The investigation also reviewed photographic and video evidence, which showed the aircraft's rudder and elevator positions during its final descent.
Investigators also considered the aircraft's design, noting that while it was a replica, it had undergone structural strengthening during its restoration. The investigation looked into whether the aircraft had entered a spin or a spiral dive and evaluated the possibility of external factors, such as turbulence or wake from other aircraft, contributing to the loss of control.